Oral Care for Kids
Oral Care for Kids – Start Early, Start Right— The Fundamentals of Oral Care for Kids
Healthy teeth are key to a healthy childhood: kids need them for chewing, speaking clearly, and having a bright smile. And thanks to advances in dentistry and oral care products, today’s children are more likely than ever to grow up with strong, healthy teeth. As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s dental health: in fact, good oral care begins with you.
It is especially important to keep your child enthusiastic and motivated about caring for his or her teeth. So whether you’re teaching your children how to brush properly or taking them to the dentist for a checkup, remember that it’s up to you to set a good example. And don’t forget to praise your child afterwards for clean teeth and a healthy smile!
A Quick Guide
- Your child’s first dental visit should be between the eruption of the first tooth and his or her first birthday.
- Brush your children’s teeth until they are around three years old, then start encouraging them to join in. Supervise their brushing until age eight.
- Children under age four should use a simple brushing technique— such as a small, circular brushing motion.
- Choose a children’s toothbrush with a small brushhead and soft bristles.
- Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Teach your child to rinse and spit out any toothpaste left after brushing.
- Flossing should start when two teeth touch and supervision is needed until at least the age of 10.
Provided as an educational service by Oral B Laboratories. www.OralB.com